It’s probably a bit too early to start in on PB values but there is such an enormous difference between what we saw last year and what we are seeing this year that maybe we should get a brief explanation from Mike B or John M. Since almost everyone (rightly or wrongly) seems to use PB value to measure the worth of individual players and teams it does require some attention. There are hundreds of examples to choose from, both position players and pitchers, but I have selected two shown below as examples. Bottom line is that PB values are down close to 30% across the board. I must admit that I haven’t noticed any negative effects on players in RT leagues. They are using the 2004 PB values.

2003 Moises Alou, PB value 5.340

BA 280, OBP 357, SLG 462, HR 22, PA 638, SB 3, CS 1, LOPS 965, ROPS 778

2004 Moises Alou, PB value 4.723

BA 293, OBP 361, SLG 557, HR 39, PA 675, SB 3, CS 0, LOPS 846, ROPS 936

Clearly a better season in 2004 than 2003 – look at HR and ROPS e.g.

2003 Ichiro Suzuki, PB value 6.396

BA 312, OBP 352, SLG 436, HR 13, PA 725, SB 34, CS 8, LOPS 831, ROPS 769

2004 Ichiro Suzuki, PB value 4.996

BA 372, OBP 414, SLG 455, HR 8 , PA 762, SB 36, CS 11, LOPS 973, ROPS 825

In both cases I would rather have the 2004 Alou or Suzuki but PB values say otherwise. What’s the explanation and when you look at your 2004 team and find its total PB value way down from last season, look closer – things may not be as bad as they seem. On the other hand if you have a team with a higher PB value from 2003 then God bless you.

Tim